What s Global Theology?

In one sense Global Theology is an oxymoron, an apparent contradiction, as there are inherent differences in each and every religion. Yet, global theology is an attempt to find common ground among religions ("all theology is contextual"), although any attempts must recognize that the pluralism of religion is a fact of this modern world. Moreover, attempts to apply certain religious tenets to other religions can lead to errors or misunderstandings. For instance, there are Protestant religions which are fundamentalist and believe that the Bible's words are literal while other Christian religions such as Catholicism believe in the interpretive qualities of the Bible.

Added to this problem, theologies traditionally have held with their primacy and either disparaged or ignored other theologies. So, in order to have a global, or comparative theology, the pluralism of religions must be a "primary point." Then, in some cases "global theology" is an attempt to find areas of common ground and to generalize others. Also, if other philosophies such as Hinduism are to be included in this "global" effort, then the terminology must be changed since the etymology of the word theology denotes that the study is of God. Therefore, a better term is "global philosophy of religion." Issues that can be addressed within "global philosophy" are

How does this religion describe the nature of reality, the universe, and the sacred/divine? How does this religion attempt to address the problems of the human condition? What sort of salvation, transformation, or transcendence does this religion offer its adherents?

Interestingly, these attempts to globalize religion is, perhaps, what the ancient Greeks and Stoic philosophers in order to find common ground.

Global Theology is essentially how people of a Christian religion look at their identity in relation to God multiculturally. It is a way to show how culture and history helps to influence a person of Christian religions," understanding and commitment to faith, as well as being the primary lens by which one reads, understands, interprets, and applies scripture." It is a way of showing diversity throughout different cultures and their pasts with relation to a shared religion.